UK Broadband switches on 4G LTE network in London

Firm using Huawei’s Time Division LTE solution to launch what it says is the first commercial 4G deployment in the UK

UK Broadband, a holder of 4G spectrum, has switched on its first 4G LTE system in London. It is using Huawei’s Time Division LTE (TD-LTE) solution in what it said is the first commercial 4G deployment in the UK.

UK Broadband (UKB) will operate a wholesale model, working with partners to offer commercial services from May 2012 to business, consumers and the public sector.

The network will initially cover the Southbank and Borough areas of Southwark.

It will use the company’s 124MHz of spectrum in the 3.5GHz and 3.6GHz LTE bands. UK Broadband said this will enable it to deliver enough capacity across the network to deliver superfast broadband speeds to a large number of users simultaneously.

The first devices, jointly developed by UK Broadband and Huawei, include indoor and outdoor units for high-speed wireless broadband to homes and businesses within the coverage area.

UKB CEO Nicholas James (pictured) said: “We’re very excited to be switching on our first TD-LTE system in the UK using our 4G spectrum. We’re working with Huawei because we believe they have the expertise and experience we need to deliver the best solution.”